The Taliban promised not to allow Afghanistan to be used by groups seeking to attack the US, yet terrorist groups have only become more emboldened under its rule.
Research into 70 new Taliban policies to control women and girls shows the extremist, misogynistic group might be using different tactics, but it still poses grave dangers to Afghan society.
Afghan women activists, leaders and former politicians who are now in exile are telling of the continued struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan and women’s diverse strategies of resistance.
The Taliban’s recent abduction of 40 people, and gang rape of eight women, has not captured Western media attention. But activists inside Afghanistan point to worrying levels of violence.
Four months after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, a clearer picture of their rule is emerging. Despite public assurances, the Taliban continue to violate human rights.
Even if the money were released, the likelihood of the corrupt and inept Taliban using it to fix the humanitarian crisis afflicting the country is remote.
Even in the absence of a moral motive to alleviate famine, there is a strong rationale for the West to do whatever’s necessary to alleviate hunger in Afghanistan this winter.
Violent performance is the Taliban’s language. If we view them as savage, backward or misogynistic, the opportunity to learn how to face them is missed.
Scott Lucas, foreign policy expert, and Kambaiz Rafi, political economy researcher, discuss potential developments in Afghanistan under the new Taliban government.